An FTP server is used to exchange files over the Internet or a local computer network. It is characterized by certain features – the use of a separate channel for each connection, support for the binary and text mode of information transfer, and the need for user authentication. Most often, an FTP server is used for:
- transfer of personal files;
- exchange of corporate data;
- transfer of website content to the server of the hosting company.
Connecting to an ftp server (remote file transfer protocol) is most often carried out using third-party programs for various purposes and built-in tools. You can work with them only if you use FTP clients. Detailed information on the topic with step-by-step instructions in this article!
FTP server access credentials
In order to connect to the FTP server, it is imperative that you use the correct data. After you go through the registration process, you will receive an email with the data required to connect. To gain access to the server, you will need such information – login, password, link to FTP server and port.
How to connect to FTP via Windows Explorer
How to access ftp server through explorer? We recommend that you follow our recommendations, then everything will definitely work out! If you are using Windows 10, no additional system installations are required. Open the system file manager and right-click to exit to the context menu. Select “Add a network location”:
Then the Add Network Location window will open. Click on the “Next” button:
We select the further location of the file. Click “Next” again.
In the window that appears, specify the link to the network resource to which you plan to connect. Be sure to follow the specified format. In this field, marked in red in the picture, enter the link:
Enter a custom name in the field. In this case, you do not need to enter the password in advance, it will only be needed when connecting. Some hosts have an anonymous login option. This is how it looks:
Everything is almost ready! At the end, be sure to give a name to the network environment by entering it in the appropriate line.
Connecting to ftp via explorer is over! You can proceed to work with the server. Some users who are running Windows 7 or 10 may not always be able to find where the new network connection is. We answer this question: in “Network locations”, section “This computer”.
Then you need to connect by opening the connection you just created. In the small window that opens, enter the password.
After entering the data, the server folder will open. You can get to work!
Many people are interested in how MacOS connects to the ftp server. Let’s consider the issue of connecting via macOS in stages:
Step 1: From the Finder Menu Bar, select Go> Connect to server:
Stage 2. Enter the server address in the line, click the “+” button, and then – “Connect”:
Stage 3. Next, to go to the ftp host MacOS, you need to enter your username, password and click “Connect”:
Everything is ready, you can get to work!
Connecting via the Windows command line
Connecting to ftp via the command line is not the most convenient way. Please note that you will have to manually enter commands for uploading documents, downloading and opening folders. Stick to the following algorithm:
- Enter the ftp command. Press “Enter” to confirm the action.
- Set the command ftp_hostname.
- Enter your username or log in anonymously. To do this, enter Anonymous.
- Type in your password. If you are logged in as Anonymous, leave the password field blank. Press “Enter” again.
The entire sequence of actions is shown in the screenshot:
Understanding how to access ftp using the command line, let’s dwell on the commands in more detail, since many people have problems with them:
- dir – view the contents of the server;
- cd “folder_name” – opening the specified folder;
- put “path_to_file” – uploading a document from the computer to the server.
- get “file_name.format” – download from the host to the computer;
- quit – disconnect from FTP.
- FTP – connection through any browser
FTP connection through any browser
Access to ftp through a browser of any operating system is not the safest and most convenient way, because some of the necessary functions will remain unavailable. Therefore, it is best to use special programs such as Total Commander or FileZilla.
To connect to ftp through a browser, you need the following data:
- login;
- password;
- Server IP address.
Where can I get this data? We remind you that they will definitely be indicated in the letter that will come to your e-mail after you order the virtual server rental service. Sometimes people are faced with the fact that there is no letter in the mail. We recommend not to panic in advance, but to check your spam folder. If no access data is found there, be sure to contact customer support.
Let’s consider an ftp connection through a browser step by step:
Step one. Open your browser.
Step two. Enter ftp://login:password@server ip_address into the address bar. It should look something like this:
Step three. Press the Enter button. Then a window should open where you need to enter your username and password. Then click “Login”. The root folder of the server with the files should appear.
Everything is ready, the connection through one of the Internet browsers was successful and you can start working with files!
How to connect to FTP using FileZilla
Filezilla ftp connection is one of the simplest and most convenient. This program is the most recommended and demanded FTP client. You can connect to it regardless of which operating system is installed on your computer. You need to download this free application on the official website. Just select the option you want and wait for the software to load:
How to connect to ftp server via filezilla? After downloading, install the application by entering the following information in the top panel:
- Host (link to FTP server or address).
- User login (it will be sent to your email beforehand).
- Password.
- Port. We recommend leaving this field blank or setting the value to 21.
After filling in the required fields, click on the “Quick Connection” button:
Once the directory is open, proceed to download and start downloading the required files. In order not to enter different connection data, we recommend using a site manager. It is available in the File menu.
How to log into FTP server through Total Commander
Connection to FTP via total commander is one of the most popular types of connection. To get started, download this free program from the official website and install it on your work computer. Next, open the application and go to the “Network” section, where you need to select the “Connect to FTP server” tab.
Visual information on the topic is displayed in the screenshot:
The next thing to do is to click on the “Add” button. Then – enter the host name, the name of the new connection, account, password. Save all this information by clicking on “OK”.
The new connection must be reflected in the list. Connect to the server:
How to connect to FTP server via Linux terminal
Connecting to ftp via the linux command line is quite common among users. The sequence of steps is the same as when using Windows. First you need to type the ftp command, and then activate it by pressing the “Enter” button. Write open link_to_host, not forgetting to specify the password and login.
Let’s take a closer look at examples of available options:
- get – download the file;
- mget – download a document in a specific format;
- mput – upload several documents of the same format;
- mkdir – create a new directory;
- rmdir – remove a directory;
- delete – delete a file;
- close – exit the current session;
- bye – exit.
How to log into ftp linux using a different method? Let’s consider the algorithm of actions step by step. Step one First, install the required package:
sudo apt-get install curlftpfs
Step two. Granting rights to a specific folder:
sudo chmod 777 ~/ftp
Step three. Mount ftp directory:
sudo curlftpfs -o allow_other ftp://user: [email protected] /home/virtdiver/ftp/
Step four. To unmount the folder, use the command:
sudo umount ~/ftp
Conclusions
FTP server is the best solution for cloud storage, file sharing, and driver archives. If you use the services of a reliable company that provides dedicated servers for rent, then fast download speed and stability are guaranteed. You can rent FTP storage from Unihost, which can be connected from anywhere in the world around the clock.
Why are virtual servers from Unihost so beneficial? Consider the main benefits that each of our clients receives:
- Remote access option via IPMI to perform monitoring and inventory functions.
- The ability to control the processor directly from your personal account.
- Guaranteed unlimited traffic.
- Huge selection of configurations.
- Possibility to select the geolocation of the server.
Summing up, we note that it is quite simple to connect to the FTP server, for this there are special methods for different operating systems. Another effective option is a dedicated ftp program like Total Commander. For even more useful information about dedicated servers for the implementation of the most ambitious projects, stay tuned to our blog!